Internet Usage Guidelines

Welcome to the C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library District’s Access to the Internet.

It is the policy of the C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library District to provide Internet access to the public for educational and informational use. Any and all users of the public access of the Internet stations will, by use of these stations, agree to the following guidelines.

All non-C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library District cardholders must register at the Reference Desk and provide valid photo identification. All C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library District (or any other Illinois Heartland Library System library) cardholders must be in good standing before using the Internet, and/or signing for a minor.

NO CELL PHONES are to be used, except in the designated use area on the 1st floor.

Use of any Internet station will be limited to two (2) times per day, up to ninety (90) uninterrupted minutes. Sessions are available on a first-come, first served basis. Seating per computer will be limited to two (2) adults or one (1) child under 18 and an adult.

Patrons may print information from the Internet station screens at the cost of twenty (20) cents per page. Users are financially responsible for all printouts. Please follow on-screen instructions to provide payment for copies.

If a person leaves the Internet station, without notifying staff, for more than five minutes, it is assumed that the user is not returning and the station will be considered unoccupied.

Any children under the age of 18 must have one of their parents or a guardian with them at the Internet station before they will be allowed to use the station. The parent/guardian must meet all registration requirements before the child can us the station. An exception can be made for children between the ages of 13 and 17, if they have parental permission, signed in the presence of library staff, and hold a C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library District card. The C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library District does not assume any responsibility for the use of the Internet by a minor.

The library staff may assist patrons in how to start the Internet browsing program, and other basic procedures of our particular Internet system. Staff will not provide any further instruction or perform searches for patrons. The stations are designed and intended for patrons with prior knowledge and some experience in using the Internet and computers. Library staff cannot be expected to be familiar with the multitude of resources found on the Internet.

The library does not use any filtering software to limit access to materials based on content. In addition, library staff will not monitor an individual’s use of any sites except when material displayed on the screen is not appropriate in a public environment (i.e. pornography). Supervision of children under 18 regarding content of Internet material is the responsibility of the parent/guardian; library staff will not be responsible for monitoring Internet usage of minors.

Misuse or abuse of any of the policy and guidelines listed here may lead to suspension or termination of library privileges. The first violation will result in a warning and the second violation will result in a one (1) year suspension of Internet privileges.

Information available through the Internet is not warranted by C.E. Brehm Memorial Public Library District to be accurate, authoritative, factual or complete. The availability of information via the Internet does not constitute any endorsement or ratification of that information. Patrons must be responsible for verifying the accuracy of any material.

Internet stations are intended for use as research tools. In addition, the stations cannot be used, in any capacity, for commercial or for-profit ventures.

The patron and/or parent/guardian are liable for any damage done to an Internet station’s hardware or software and for any illegal or unethical acts performed through out system. This is not limited to physical damage or vandalism. Tampering with local or remote computer files and/or committing legal or ethical violations of acceptable Internet use will result in disciplinary action.